Real World Survivor Editor

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President Barack Obama on Wednesday declared a major disaster for American Samoa after summer storms damaged much of the region.

As a result of the storms, which lasted from July 29 to Aug. 3, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the territory to help with recovery efforts.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to territory and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe storms, flooding, and landslides in the Territory of American Samoa.

Assistance for the Territory and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to territory and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis. (Source: FEMA funded, territory administered.)

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, territory administered.)

Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by territory and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, territory administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for territory and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/territory applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the territory from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

For more information on the assistance from FEMA, please visit FEMA.gov.